Another great story by Erikson featuring many of the characters from the first book, Gardens of the Moon. We see our favourite squad, the Bridgeburners, being used in another invasion force - this time against a mysterious religious leader who has brainwashed an entire nation to be his force of zealot soldiers.
We are also introduced to several new characters and another mercenary group, the Grey Swords. The novel is quite hefty with over a thousand pages so if you are looking for quick easy fun, look elsewhere. Although the novel is long, it never feels that way. In fact, the storyline and especially the characters just sort of pull you along. There is a large cast of characters and a fair amount of detail so you have to pay attention but the situations are very suspenseful so you will be tuned in at any rate. Erikson's dialogue is one of the best, in my opinion, with his characters talking in a very convincing style and manner. He also is quite brave with his main protaginists and he has no qualms with killing the odd one off. This also keeps you on your toes for the entire book. I have enjoyed all three books in this series so far and I am already looking forward to number four. If you like fantasy with a rough edge and a militaristic tone, you will love these books.

All those unanswered questions from the previous books; well, as standard he answers a few and creates new ones and fills in a little bit more of what’s going on and why. Just enough to keep you wanting more like an addict in need of a fix. Welcome back to the Malazan Empire. The ravaged continent of Genabackis has given birth to a scary new empire: the Pannion Domin. It is rapidly spreading across the land like a cancerous disease, devouring all. An alliance of necessity is all that stands in its path: Onearm's army and Whiskeyjack's Bridgeburners, the forces of the Warlord Caladan Brood, Anomander Rake and his Tiste Andii mages, and the Rhivi people of the plains, enemies all. However, the T'lan Imass have risen. There are rumors that the Crippled God is now unchained and intent on a terrible revenge. Welcome to the wonderful worlds of Steen Erickson who goes one or two better than Tolkien and Donaldson. Enjoy.